Congratulations to the WVU Potomac State College Class of 2025! I applaud this group
of graduates as they persisted through a post-COVID higher education experience,
which likely required online learning and remote meetings. We had more than 150
graduates on Saturday, May 10, who were celebrated and congratulated by family
members, friends, and the Catamount Community.
One of the ceremony's highlights was the keynote address shared by Brandon Liller,
a PSC graduate. I had the pleasure of meeting Brandon at the Mineral County Ham,
Bacon, and Egg Auction in March. Like most PSC students do when they meet me, Brandon
shared his story and connection to PSC. After visiting with him, I asked if he
would consider speaking at graduation. To be honest, I left the keynote portion
out because public speaking can be daunting.
Brandon accepted the invitation, and at graduation, he did not leave a dry eye
in the audience. His story of resilience, dedication, hope, and family spoke to
the fear most of us have about getting back up when we meet obstacles. As a non-traditional
student, born and raised here in Keyser, Brandon’s journey showed the power of
a strong community. The WVU Potomac State College Commencement Ceremony is now
available for viewing on
YouTube.
West
Virginia University Potomac State College recently held the Student Scholarship
Recipient & Donor Luncheon on the Keyser campus. Donors and student recipients were given
the opportunity to tell their stories to one another, including how
scholarships helped them stay focused and succeed during their time at PSC.
Dinese Harris was recently named the 2025 Outstanding Staff Person of the Year
at West Virginia University Potomac State College. WVU PSC Campus President Dr.
Jerry Wallace presented the award.
Dinese Harris was recently named the 2025 Outstanding Staff Person of the Year at
West Virginia University Potomac State College. Harris began her career at the
College in 2006, serving as a campus service worker for nearly 18 years.
Nixin Ponturo (right), an elementary education major from Centreville, Va., is
presented with the April Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West Virginia University
Potomac State College by PSC Biology Instructor Farren Smith.
Nixin Ponturo, an elementary education major from Centreville, Va., is the recipient
of the April Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West Virginia University Potomac
State College.
If you
have been out and around town, you may have noticed the increase of Potomac
State College’s presence in the community! We have been intentionally focusing
our efforts on the mission statement—specifically, how we “…provide access to a
better life for all West Virginians.” As both a community partner and economic
driver for our region, PSC plays a vital role in shaping a successful future
for all stakeholders. This month’s op-ed highlights our community connections
and the importance of bridging the past with the present to improve our future.
Sara Alaoui (left), a general studies major at West Virginia University Potomac State
College, was presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for March 2025, by
PSC English Professor Deanna Armentrout.
Sara Alaoui, a general studies major from Bunker Hill, W.Va., is the recipient of
the March Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West Virginia University Potomac State
College.
Lucas Hoylman (left) a general studies major from Morgantown, W.Va., was presented
with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for February 2025, by President Jerry
Wallace at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
Lucas Hoylman, a general studies major from Morgantown,
W.Va., is the recipient of the February Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West
Virginia University Potomac State College.
WVU Medicine Potomac Valley
Hospital, part of the West Virginia University Health System, recently made a
generous gift to benefit student athletes at WVU Potomac State College.
“We are happy to support the many
students at Potomac State College who participate in the various athletic
programs,” said Amy Boothe, Ph.D., vice president and CFO/COO at the local
critical access hospital. “Potomac State plays an important role in our
community, and we recognize the importance of athletics and team participation
in the college experience.”
WQZK Radio was on campus talking with students, faculty, staff, and coaches
during the eighth WVU Day of Giving. (Left) Elliana Mosby, a freshman volleyball student-athlete discusses
with Amy Ryan the benefits of receiving a scholarship while attending
Potomac State College. (Right) On-Air Personality Amy Ryan talks with
WVU Potomac State College President Jerry Wallace.